JAMAICA TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION 21 DAY TOUR

JULY 21 - AUGUST 10, 2016 featuring

The best of Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Dubai ITINERARY Day 01 –Thursday 21 July 2016 - Kingston-New York JFK-Dubai Departure from Kingston by Caribbean Airlines to New York. At New York Connect flight to Dubai. Departure: KIN at 0705 Arrival: JFK- 1050 Departure: JFK- 1655 Overnight on Board Day 02 – Friday 22 July 2016 - Dubai Arrive in Dubai at 1345. Meeting and assistance on arrival. Transfer to hotel. Rest and relax after the long flight / Free for own activities. Overnight at hotel Day 03 - Saturday 23 July 2016 Dubai- Singapore. Breakfast at hotel. Morning at leisure till departure for airport around 1800 hrs. for flight to Singapore. (Check-out in the afternoon) Flight departure: 2155 Overnight on board. Day 04 - Sunday 24 July 2016 - Singapore Arrive Singapore at 0855 hrs. Welcome to Singapore. Meeting and assistance and transfer to hotel. Evening, enjoy a visit to China Town and welcome dinner. Overnight at hotel. [ Meal Plan: Dinner ] Chinatown has also come a long way since the early days when Chinese immigrants made this enclave their home. Filled with a sprawling myriad of shops and eateries, bustling with colourful and exciting activities set against a backdrop of rich history and heritage, Chinatown is not to be missed especially in the evening when everything really comes alive. At Yong Gallery, the fine art of calligraphy is demonstrated by the Master Calligrapher who converts your name or a creative expression into auspicious Chinese characters on a red fan which is yours to keep as a souvenir. After dinner at a local Chinese restaurant, wander along the narrow lanes of the Night Market and test your bargaining skills against street vendors selling anything from souvenirs to leather goods. The highlight of the evening is a trishaw ride that takes you through the alleyways of Chinatown and down to Clarke Quay. There hop onto a bumboat for a cruise along the Singapore River to see Singapore lit up at night, showcasing beautifully restored shop houses, modern skyscrapers of the financial district, colonial buildings and the iconic Merlion statue. [ D ]

Day 05 – Monday 25 July 2016 - Singapore Explore the city by driving round the Civic District, passing by the Padang, Cricket Club, historic Parliament House, Supreme Court and City Hall. Next, stop at the Merlion Park and enjoy the impressive views of Marina Bay. Do not miss out this picture-taking opportunity with The Merlion, a mythological creature that is part lion and part fish. Visit Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest Buddhist-Taoist temples, before driving past Chinatown. Stop by a Local Handicraft Centre and observe craftsmen at work up-close. Proceed to the National Orchid Garden, located within Singapore Botanic Gardens, which boasts a sprawling display of 60,000 orchid plants. Our final stop at Little India will entrance you with the scent of joss sticks, jasmine and spices. [ B. D]

Day 06 - Tuesday 26 July 2016 - Singapore-Beijing.

Breakfast at hotel. Morning at leisure till departure to airport for flight to Beijing via

Kuala Lumpur on Malaysian Airline. Dep: 1535. Arr: KUL 1645 Dep: KUL -1800.

Day 07 - Wednesday 27 July 2016 - Beijing.

Arrive Beijing at 0020 hrs. Welcome to China. Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to

hotel. Rooms reserved for immediate occupancy.

Late breakfast and proceed for sightseeing tour of Beijing. Beijing, the heart of China, is always the first choice of travellers who are willing to know a time-honoured and developed city of China. It has been the political, economic and cultural centre of China for over 800 years from the Yuan Dynasty. The numerous royal buildings with long history endow it with incomparable charm, not only the 'Nation's Best' but also one of the 'World's Best'. On the other hand, as the host city of the 2008 Olympic Games, this oriental ancient city presented her best fashion fascination to the world. Visit Tiananmen Square, The monument to the Peoples Heroes, The Forbidden City, Pearl Store, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace etc which are the top attractions of the city. In the evening enjoy a Kungfu Show at the theatre followed by roast-duck dinner.[ B. D ]

Day 08 -Thursday 28 July 2016 - Beijing Further exploration of Beijing, visiting the Ming Tombs – one of the largest clusters of imperial cemeteries in China where 13 of the Ming Dynasty Emperors are buried. the Underground Place, Jade Carving Factory,from where you will know the process of Chinese jade carving and jade culture, The Great Wall at Mutianyu the most beautiful section originally built during the Northern Qi Dynasty in the mid-sixth century, then on to a panoramic view of the The National Stadium and the National Aquatic Centre. In the evening transfer to rail station. Experience China’s fast train to travel to Xian. Departure at 2100 hrs. Overnight on board – air-conditioned sleeper class. ( B. D)

Day 09 Friday 29 July 2016 - Xian Meeting and assistance on arrival at 0800 hrs. and transfer to hotel Breakfast. and later on check-in at the hotel. Later in the morning we proceed for the Excursion to Terracotta Warriors and Dancheng Museum. The great archaeological excavation of Qin (221BC-206BC) Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses unfolded a strong army of altogether 7,000 life-size pottery soldiers, horses, chariots and weapons arranged in battle formations symbolically, guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The grand Mausoleum of the first emperor of Qin and the warriors and horses buried in loess for over 2,000 years amaze every visitor and is considered as one of the world’s best excavation site. [ B. D ]

Day 10 - Saturday 30 July 2016 - Xian-Chongquing In the morning we leave by flight to Chongqing, the starting point for the Yangtze River Cruise but is noted also for its famous chafing dish (hot pot) as well as excellent Sichuan Cuisine, features that you should not miss during your stay. Brief sightseeing tour of the the city, Small Goose Pagoda and other attractions.. Traditional local dinner and Transfer to board Yangtze River Cruise – American Victoria Cruiseliner ( 5* ) [ B.D] Day 11 - Sunday 31 July 2016 - Yangtze Cruising Take a shore excursion to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Fengdu, visiting the new relocation village built for families who have moved as a result of the Yangtze’s rising waters brought about by the Three Gorges Dam or additional Shore Excursion to Fengdu’s “Ghost City” (river conditions permitting), known for its statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill. [ B. L. D ] Day 12 - Monday 01 August 2016 - Yangtze Cruising Enter the Three Gorges, one of nature’s most extraordinary sculptures. Today you will pass through the first two—Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. Qutang Gorge is the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and most dramatic. The 25-mile long Wu Gorge is known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. Transfer to another vessel for a relaxing excursion through the attractive gorges of Goddess Stream. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to the gorges of Shennong Stream. In the evening enjoy Captain’s cocktails and farewell banquet.[ B.L.D ] Day 13 – Tuesday 02 August 2016 - Yangtze Cruise -Wuhan Shanghai In the morning visit the Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping, the largest in the world. Arrive Yichang by late morning to disembark Then on , transfer to Wuhan airport for your flight to Shanghai. Overnight at hotel in Shanghai. [ B. D ]

Day 14 - Wednesday 03 August 2016 - Shanghai Sightseeing of Shanghai - Shanghai offers an atmosphere that is comprised of both the traditional Chinese culture and the modern Western culture. Tall skyscrapers in the east side of the city overlook the classical architecture and ancient buildings of the west side. This mixture of Chinese and western culture provides tourists with a wide variety of experiences. Visit the main attractions – The Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyan Garden, Nanjing shopping street, The Bund, Silk Centre etc.[ B. D ] Day 15 - Thursday 04 August 2016 - ShanghaiHong Kong. An exciting experience to travel to airport by China’s fastest train service, MaglevTrain (300 to 400 kms//hour )to reach Shanghai airport for our flight to Hong Kong. Hong Kong, the enigmatic city of skyscrapers, ancient traditions and heavenly food.

In the afternoon we enjoy the sightseeing tour of Hong Kong including visit to Victoria Park, , Repulse Bay, Stanley Market etc. Rest of the day at leisure. In the evening enjoy the Harbour Cruise Bauhinia dinner – ‘symphony of lights buffet dinner ‘[ B. D ] Day 16 – Friday 05 August 2016 - Hong Kong-Macau-Hong-Kong.

An hour by jetfoil boat from Hong Kong yet worlds apart, Macau is a relaxed blend of Portuguese Architecture and cobbled streets, famed for its cathedral ruins, casinos and superb food. Covering just 18 kms in total, the territory has always hand an atmosphere distinct from Hong Kong with public squares, outdoor cafes offering al fresco dining and swaying palm trees giving a cosmopolitan, southern European ambience. Our sightseeing includes visit to the Ruins of St. Paul Cathedral, Kum Lam Temple, Fisherman’s Wharf and some time for a Casino visit followed by ‘bambu buffet at the famous Venetian hotel Day 17 – Saturday 06 August 2016 - Hong Kong-Dubai. After breakfast, morning at leisure for own activities. Normal check-out time from the hotel. Leave for Hong Kong airport on time for your flight to Dubai. Dep: 1800 Arr: 2300 . Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to hotel. [ B ]

Day 18 - Sunday 07 August 2016 - Dubai A full day of activities in Dubai. In the morning enjoy sightseeing tour of Modern Dubai. Sample the historic sites and vibrant cosmopolitan life of Dubai on this comprehensive tour. The tour starts with the most famous landmark of Dubai – the gold souk. You will have a walk through the souk to reach spice souk. All aboard the Abra (water taxi) to cross the creek to Al Bastakiya, the old part of Dubai, to reach the museum located in Al Fahidi Fort.. Proceed to Jumeirah, the picturesque palace and residential area of Dubai, also home to the impressive Jumeirah Mosque (photo stop) and then further at the iconic landmark of Dubai, Burj Al Arab Hotel (photo stop). Our final stop will be at the base of what is currently the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa (optional visit). Here you have time to admire the Dubai Fountain, a spectacle of lights and sound and one of the world’s largest performing fountains.

Late afternoon enjoy the thrill and excitement of driving over sand dunes of varying colours and heights. We will stop where you can view the magic and full glory of an Arabian Desert sunset and enjoy the serenity and the eternal beauty of the desert. Ultimately when we reach our unique camp – traditional Arabian ambience, we relax in the tranquillity and silence of desert, surrounded by majestic sand dunes which seem to glow by the light of the setting sun. You will have the opportunity to ride a camel, smoke some aromatic Shisha (water pipe) ,sand surf or have a traditional henna painting done. Or simply watch your evening moonlit feast ( Arabic BBQ dinner buffet, salads and fruits ) being prepared as the stars light up the desert sky and the tempo of the music increases culminating with the arrival of a belly-dancer ) [ B.D ]

Day 19 - Monday 08 August 2016 - Dubai

Morning at leisure for shopping and own activities. In the evening enjoy an unforgettable romantic cruise on a traditional wooden dhow (Arabic boat) dhow is a nostalgic reminder of the Arabian spirit of adventure, which dates back to the times of pearl fishing and trading. As the dhow glides gently along the spectacular waterfront of the Dubai Creek we can witness the scale of the development of Dubai. There after indulge in a sumptuous buffet dinner made up of continental and oriental cuisine on board an illuminated decorated dhow, while Arabian music on-board reminds you of where you are, the day comes to a pleasant end with this overwhelming experience after dinner transfer hotel for overnight. ( B. D ] Day 20 - Tuesday 09 August 2016 – Dubai - New York - Kingston. Breakfast - Some more time free in the morning for last minute shopping. Transfer to airport on time for your return flight to New York (Emirate) Dep: 3.PM . Arrive JFK at 9.PM. At JFK connect Caribbean Airways flight to Kingston departing in the early morning. Day 21 New York - Kingston. BW flight departs at 0055 hrs. Arrive Kingston at 0455.

Services Include: Meeting and assistance, arrival/departure transfers, all sightseeing and excursions as per the itinerary using private air-conditioned dlx coach , service of English speaking guide, entrance fees, train tickets, international& internal flights, accommodation based on twin sharing basis using good 4 star hotels with meals as specified, all currently existing government taxes. Not included: Visa fees, and Travel Insurance. Details on visa fees and Travel Insurance are available.

IMPORTANT NOTE: . Should the need arise on this tour; we reserves the right to change the order of the itinerary, driver , guide and hotels. Only limited places available on this tour. ****************************************************************************************************